While the gym changes the body, the ring transforms the mind. Ask if it’s true; any boxer worth his salt will vouch for it. From when he learned to drape hand wraps till the days he hangs over the gloves, a fighter keeps changing.

The Rise and Fall of Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson epitomizes that life at best. Born and growing up in some of the toughest hoods, Brooklyn had ‘Hard Life’ engraved on his forehead.

It took a Cus D’Amato to chisel a fine shining diamond out of a rough stone. On the other hand, teenage Mike, a frequent guest at juvenile centers, found what he always sought in that harsh environment. He was looking for a father figure, and D’Amato filled that gap.

What transpired next is clichéd. But it was the brutal strength and energy of Mike that thundered the boxing world.

After Muhammad Ali’s era, the heavyweight boxing scene became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. In 1985, however, Mike Tyson debuted, rampaging Hector Mercedes like a turbulent cyclone.

After winning his first WBC Heavyweight title against Trevor Berbick in 1986, Mike won the remaining WBA, WBO, and IBF titles.

Read More: ‘They Tear You Apart’: Mike Tyson Explains Why Germans Were ‘Worse Than Romans’

But the first signal of his downfall commenced with an upset defeat at the hands of James ‘Buster’ Douglas in 1990.

After that, Mike’s life, too, began to turn from bad to worse. Starting with the Desiree Washington case leading to his prison sentence, Mike’s first two marriages collapsed publicly.

A comeback against Evander Holyfield ended as the infamous Bite Night when he bit the latter’s right ear. His final attempt to regain the WBC, IBF and IBO Heavyweight titles came apart after he lost the match against Lennox Lewis in 2002.

Despite a single win against Clifford Etienne in 2003, Mike lost the next two consecutive bouts. Finally retiring in 2005, the former champion was already having financial difficulties.

Hotboxin’ to Holy Ears!

Things began to shape up with his third marriage to his former girlfriend, Lakiha Spicer, in 2009.

Always in and out of popular news, Mike’s inroads into the movie, television, and the internet are already well known. He decided to turn popularity to his advantage and began his shows and channels, such as Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson.

To prove that he has changed, Mike apologized to Evander Holyfield for biting his ears. Now extending his hands of friendship further, the two have become business partners. Already selling cannabis through Tyson 2.0 venture, Tyson is collaborating with Holyfield to make edible items with cannabis as one of the ingredients. The joint venture is called Holy Ears.

“Life is all about evolution. Being a better person than you were when you started.” – Mike Tyson

Sharing the news with his fans through his Twitter handle, Mike Tyson said, 

And there was no way any fans could have disagreed.

Something to look up to every day.

A life full of challenges, but never give in despite the odds.

As his life comes full circle, Mike Tyson has proved that while ups and down form part and parcel of life, the million-dollar question is how we decide to face it.

If you welcome the changes with open arms, a new world might await you to enter.

Do you also believe Mike Tyson’s journey could inspire many more? Please share your thoughts with us.

Watch Out for More: (Hot Tempered Iron) Mike Inside The Ring